Camden County Health Department discovers cat rabid

CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. -- A Kingsland cat tested positive for rabies Friday and two people are undergoing preventive treatment after coming into contact with the animal.

The cat, a calico, belonged to a family living in Southern Pines mobile home park in Kingsland. The cat and two other pets belonging to the family have been euthanized.

Officials with the Camden County Health Department are warning residents who live in or around the mobile home park. They are asking individuals who may have come into to contact with the calico cat to call the Camden County Environmental Health manager at 912-552-0853.

The Camden County Health Department suggests:

Avoid contact with animals you don't know.

Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every one or three years depending on the type of vaccine used.

Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.

Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to help. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.

Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. "Love your own, leave other animals alone" is a good principle for children to learn.

If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Camden County Animal Control at 912-576-7395 and the Chatham County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 912-729-6012.